AS Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier underlined the boost that his side's qualification for the last 32 will give France's UEFA index ranking; OGC Nice boss Lucien Favre was circumspect after elimination at the hands of Schalke.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery with the performance that saw his side draw 2-2 away to Arsenal and take top spot in Group A heading into the final group-stage clash with Ludogorets in a fortnight's time.

AS Monaco punched their ticket into the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur FC. Djibril Sidibé (48') and Tomas Lemar (53') scored to drown out Harry Kane's penalty (48') for the visitors.

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Beckham: 'I loved it'

David Beckham was thrilled with his first start for PSG - a 2-0 Classique win over Marseille in the Coupe de France - a performance that had everyone in France talking - notably a feisty turn from PSG sporting director Leonardo.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Coue de France, round of 16

Paris Saint-Germain 2 - 0 Olympique de Marseille

David Beckham (Paris Saint-Germain midfielder): "I really loved playing over 80 minutes. It was a great start and a big win over Marseille. I feel good. I've worked hard to get into shape since I joined the club, but it certainly helps to have teammates like these around you. We have a good team and I've come to do what I can to help. If I'm a starter, then great, and if I spend time on the bench, then that's great too. Did I come here to sell shirts? Maybe. If I can sell shirts, then so much the better. However, for me, the most important thing is what goes on out on the pitch. Clubs sell shirts, there's nothing unusual in that. It's true that I'm no longer the youngest player so of course people can make remarks about my age, but I've got a few matches left in me yet [smiles]."

Leonardo (Paris Saint-Germain sporting director): "We only signed him for the photo ops, press conferences and selling shirts. That's what you guys said, and it was confirmed tonight. You're the experts, the extraordinary consultants who said that that's what David Beckham came here for."

Carlo Ancelotti (Paris Saint-Germain coach): "Beckham had a great game. As usual, he passed very well and looked comfortable in the middle alongside [Blaise] Matuidi. He was solid. He showed that he can play, not that he's 37 years old."

Elie Baup (Marseille coach): "We weren't expecting to see Beckham with so much quality in his passing game. He played a good match."

Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain midfielder): "Beckham is exceptional. He's a great professional and a great guy as well. He shut his critics up tonight."